What is time? Seriously, how is it that I'm writing they twenty-third annual version of this post?
Yes, good readers, today happens to be the 23rd anniversary of Angry Asian Man. On this day in 2001, just a few minutes past midnight, I fired up the file transfer protocol and uploaded the very first version of this blog, scotch-taped together with rickety HTML, early Internet energy, and the recklessness of youth. Good times.
At the start, I was just trying to carve out a little corner of the internet to express myself, back before I even knew this space would eventually be known as a blog. So I started writing, and we were off. And what do you know? We picked up a following along the way. And it's been a ride. We've had some wins, endured some heartache, and tried to start a conversation about community, identity, where we've been and where we're going.
And somehow... it's now been two decades and change. I say this every year, but I'm serious: I feel like I did the math wrong. 23. Not a nice, round, commemorative number. Just a number that says I've been doing this for a long-ass time. I've dedicated twenty-three years of my life and sweat and heart to this website. But I'm thankful that it's given me purpose. I'm thankful for the opportunity to contribute a small part to the Asian American conversation. And I most thankful for all the great people this space has brought into my life.
I'll be the first to admit that I've slowed down, and the actual blogging is not what it once was, as I've diverted a lot of attention to podcasting, publishing and other projects. Also: I'm tired. Twenty-three years later also means twenty-three years older. (Seriously, what is time?) But I'm still in it. We're keeping it going.
Thanks for being part of this journey. Stay Angry.
- Phil